Christ, Our Supreme Example Philippians 2:1-30 Part III

In Chapter 1 of this grand epistle, we noted how Paul selflessly thought about the welfare of others before his own welfare (Philippians 1:23-24).  Paul was more concerned about the Philippian saints than his own concern even though he was undergoing a difficult ordeal.  He was in confinement and facing trial; however, the welfare of the saints was paramount in his mind.  Although Paul exhibited selflessness in his concern for the needs of the Philippian saints, Paul, however, will point us to the supreme example of service depicted by Jesus Christ!  Jesus Christ lived completely and perfectly for others (Mark 10:45).

Philippians 2:1-30 may be outlined as follows:  I. A Call for Unity – Philippians 2:1-4; II. The Exemplary Example of Christ – Philippians 2:5-11; III. An Application of the Call – Philippians 2:12-18; IV. The Note-Worthy Examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus – Philippians 2:19-30.

III. An Application of the Call – Philippians 2:12-18

Beginning in verse 12, Paul acknowledged that the Philippian believers had been obedient, but he encouraged them to persist in being obedient not only in his presence, but even more in his absence.  In light of what Christ had done for them, the Philippians were to “work out their own salvation with fear and trembling.”  Please observe that Paul did not exhort the believers to “work for,” but to “work out” their salvation.  Salvation is a gift that cannot be earned.  We are to thoroughly develop what has been commenced in us; we are to do so in a spirit of godly fear and awe.

In verse 13, we are to rely on God’s sovereign provision for success in working out the practical effects of our salvation.  The power for success in working out the practical effects of salvation lies in God’s providing the desire and power to do it.  We can be diligent in doing our part, knowing that God is working to fulfill “His good pleasure.”

The command in verse 14 to “do all things without murmuring and disputings” connects with the call for unity (vv. 1-4) and the worthy example of Christ (vv. 5-11).  There cannot be any unity where there are grumblings and complaining!  God’s work is best demonstrated in our lives when we have overcome the tendency to grumble and complain.  Some believers just grumble or complain too much, and we must ask God for help in overcoming these natural tendencies!

In verses 15-16, as believers, we are to live morally uncorrupted lives in the midst of a warped and perverted world.  We are exhorted in verse 15 to be “blameless and harmless,” meaning that we are to live above reproach and be unmixed or flawless.  Christians are not flawless; however, there should not be glaring inconsistencies with our Christian testimonies.  In the midst of a glaring world of spiritual decadence, Christians ought to “shine as lights” (v.  15).  The light that we bear is the light of Christ.  As we shine the light of Christ in this dismal world, we are to hold “forth the word of life” (v. 16).

We are to be consistent in holding fast to the truth!  We should hold forth the gospel message to all mankind.  We can only hold out the word for others only as we are holding firmly to it ourselves!  Paul stated that he could greatly rejoice when he could see Christ radiating in the Philippian saints, knowing assuredly that he had not labored in vain.

In verse 17, Paul viewed himself as being poured out like a drink offering on behalf of the Philippians.  Paul knew that death as a martyr was a real possibility for him.  However, instead of sorrowing, he rejoiced!  The possibility of release from prison was not in Paul’s thinking as before (Phil. 1:24-26).  He viewed his death as imminent!  Paul greatly rejoiced in the sacrificial service of these saints that stemmed from their faith.  The service that the saints rendered for God was an act of worship.  In verse 18, Paul wanted these saints to experience the same joy that he had, and to be glad and rejoice with him.

May God Bless!